The Effects Of Immigration On American Culture

According to the Census Bureau's 2009 American Community Survey, 12.5 percent of the United States’ population is immigrants. However, prior to the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, immigrant population has fluctuated drastically, dropping to a low of 4.7 percent in 1970. Many argue that large numbers of foreign born living in the United States is dangerous for the country. They claim that immigration threatens American culture, spreads disease, and generates a high unemployment rate. However, immigration has been proven to be beneficial for America because it helps strengthen the American economy, increases earnings for American workers, and contributes more in taxes than in service benefits. As President Busch once said, “We’re also

Some disputers state that immigration threatens American culture and leads to multiculturalism. The Immigration Act of 1965 was not meant to open up America’s borders because of the “need” for multiculturalism, rather because of the belief in equal rights for all individuals. Immigrants are allowed into America solely based on their individual worth, not their historical background or beliefs. However, any person migrating from one country to another carries with them their cultural background and beliefs, and this is why America is a land of many cultures. In the 1970s and 1980s, America began to recognize the ethnic diversity in the country, each culture demanding to be acknowledged. America had previously stated that they were non-discriminating towards others, and therefore were forced to recognize and give rights to other cultures. Because of this, America is now “one of the largest Spanish-speaking nations in the world. We’re a major source of Latin music, journalism, and culture.” (President George Busch) Additionally, immigration spreads disease and threatens public health. The US Department of Health and Human Services found that along the borders, there are higher rates of disease that are not normally found in America. Today, before entering America, legal immigrants are checked for mental or physical conditions, any dangerous contagious disease, and any disease or disability that may limit their ability to earn a living. However, these inspections often take less than 5 seconds, making it impossible to detect any medical problems or diseases. Once an immigrant enters the country with a disease, it can spread instantaneously through mosquitos or other animals. Citizen taxes also pay for the rehabilitation of those in need. America’s budget crisis does not only arise from spending money on foreign patients, but also with fraud by foreigners